Manchester United’s season has left fans desperately wanting the club to make changes. An early exit from the Champions League and poor form in the Premier League will only have furthered the desire for moves in the transfer market. Club officials have made a key decision on Raphael Varane’s future heading into the January transfer window, but it might not be one supporters were expecting.
Manchester United Opt not Extend Raphael Varane’s Contract
Man United decide not to trigger option to extend Raphael Varane's £340k-a-week contract by 12 months, leaving him free to talk to other clubs from tomorrow. Story by @MattHughesDM
via https://t.co/NRZglgmpJd #mufc https://t.co/FING2BLWRO— Chris Wheeler (@ChrisWheelerDM) December 31, 2023
Red Devils Keen to Negotiate Alternative Deal For World Cup Winner
The Daily Mail has reported that the Red Devils do not intend to exercise their option to extend veteran defender Raphael Varane’s contract. United are trying “to cut highest-paid player’s wages” to open up room for potential summer signings and officials believe they can negotiate better terms for a future deal.
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As a result of the decision Varane will be free to hold talks with foreign clubs from the 1st of January, with any potential move taking place in the summer of 2024. The 30-year-old joined United in 2021 following an illustrious career with Real Madrid. Aside from the slew of team trophies he won with Los Blancos, UEFA Team of the Year player and World Cup champion with France.
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It is not, however, a guarantee that the defender will join a new club, as Erik ten Hag’s side are understood to be keen to extend Varane’s stay at Old Trafford. New contract talks are expected to take place in January, although there is no guarantee that an agreement will be reached.
Raphael Varane & Erik ten Hag’s Relationship Strained
A mixture of injuries and poor form has left Varane’s £340,000-a-week wages “hard to justify” according to club insiders. The 30-year-old has only appeared in seven matches this Premier League season.
According to a recent report by The Athletic, the defender’s relationship with manager Ten Hag has been complicated by key decisions to start Jonny Evans ahead of the former France international. Despite, the 35-year-old’s recent release from relegated Leicester City, Evans has started 12 Premier League games and was chosen over Varane in November’s Manchester derby, as well as a Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle United just three days later.
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This was allegedly the source of huge frustration with the Dutch head coach, although it is unclear whether this will complicate negotiations to stay at the club. Recent results have caused Ten Hag’s position as manager to be called into question, with Manchester United now sitting in seventh place with nine league losses, equal to their total league defeats in 2022/23.
Former teammate Toni Kroos has described Varane as the “complete package” and “incredible”, after spending the majority of a decade together at Real Madrid. To see the Frenchman on the bench behind Evans and Harry Maguire must be a huge source of confusion for his former colleagues.
His talent and leadership have undoubtedly been proven at the highest level of both domestic and international football. With United close to FFP limits and in dire need of an improvement in form, the loss of their key centre-back on a free transfer would be devestating to the Red Devils.
